Davis leaning towards Texans

[Hottoddie]

According to this article, Davis is taking a few days to think over his choice. However, it is rumored that the Texans have the inside track. I wonder if a few more dollars would grease the tracks in our direction? Charley, don't let him get away!

http://www.gastongazette.com/Portal/ASP/sports/panthers/PanthersDisplay.asp?ID=270

Davis still waiting on decision

By: Steve Reed
Gazette Sports Reporter

CHARLOTTE — Sources close to former Pro Bowl running back Stephen Davis said it may be a few more days before he decides where to play next season.
Although Davis said he wanted to make a decision on his future before the end of the weekend, that doesn’t appear likely.

Davis is expected to decide between the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans sometime in the next seven days, unless another team suddenly enters the mix and he makes another visit.

Panthers team officials said they believe Davis is leaning toward signing with the Texans, now coached by ex-Panthers head coach Dom Capers.

[rrj_gamz]

Originally posted by Hottoddie
Panthers team officials said they believe Davis is leaning toward signing with the Texans, now coached by ex-Panthers head coach Dom Capers. [/B]

That would be freakin' awesome...

I know we still have some work to do on the O-Line, but a player with his physical skills is what we need...

I still think Wells will do good overtime, but we need an impact right now baby...

[PhiSlammaJamma]

He makes the whole offense better instantly. The offensive line might actually think they are good and get confident. This just helps out everyone if he signs.

[rezdawg]

Sign him and draft Johnson. Thats my wish.

[kidrock8]

Sign him, draft Johnson, and use the rest of the picks to bolster OL and other crap.

Would we have been financially (cap-wise) able to sign David Boston AND Davis?

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by kidrock8
Would we have been financially (cap-wise) able to sign David Boston AND Davis?

Not sure about that, but by drafting Johnson, we are getting someone that is as as much as a physical specimen as Boston. I would rather draft Johnson, sign Davis, and sign Colvin. 3 key components of our team.

[kidrock8]

Originally posted by rezdawg
Not sure about that, but by drafting Johnson, we are getting someone that is as as much as a physical specimen as Boston. I would rather draft Johnson, sign Davis, and sign Colvin. 3 key components of our team.

I would have liked to sign Boston, Davis, and draft OT with our #1 pick.

Johnson is damn physical, but not to the level of Boston.

[Lil Francis]

If we draft Johnson, sign Davis, D. Robinson (safety), and Colvin do you all think 7 or 8 victories is realistic?

[UTweezer]

if we sign him, we should take a receiver(johnson) and then sure up the O line. Also nab McGahee if he's available in the later rounds...

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
If we draft Johnson, sign Davis, D. Robinson (safety), and Colvin do you all think 7 or 8 victories is realistic?

We've got a tough ass schedule, but, IMO, 7 or 8 wins could happen if Boselli comes back at full strength and the team stays relatively healthy.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

This is the NFl. It will be tough. If you look at the teams in the playoffs. Guess what. They were pretty much the same teams as always. Maybe 6 wins, but hopeful for more.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Dyson rumored to the Bills. Amazing. If they also get Sam Adams they did a great job, but Dyson is going to get an interesting reaction.

[mateo]

I seriously doubt we get Colvin.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
Dyson rumored to the Bills. Amazing. If they also get Sam Adams they did a great job, but Dyson is going to get an interesting reaction.

if you beat 'em...join 'em......huh? :D

[Phillyrocket]

Sign Davis, Colvin, draft Johnson, trade our second rounder for Turley, (unlikely at this point) sign a few more vets (Damien Robinson, Ernie Conwell), and Boselli comes back.... then you can hope for a 7-9 or 8-8 season.

But our schedule is waaayy tough, don't be surprised if we go 4-12 again. If we do it doesn't mean we haven't made strides forward. I just hope Houston's fickle fans can be patient with this process.

[Live]

I know that Johnson's a hot commodity right now, but don't reports of Johnson not being a "natural WR" scream project?

Does that scare any of you?

[eric.81]

Originally posted by Live
I know that Johnson's a hot commodity right now, but don't reports of Johnson not being a "natural WR" scream project?

Does that scare any of you?

YES!!

I can't belive nobody else sees this?

VERY few wide receivers (namely, Randy Moss) succeed before their fourth or fifth season.

I think that if Charlie Rogers isn't there at #3 (he of the Randy Moss mold) we should draft a good defensive player (Kennedy? Suggs?) or trade down a couple of spots and get Gross (if it can be done).

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by eric.81
VERY few wide receivers (namely, Randy Moss) succeed before their fourth or fifth season.

Here are some of the "few":

Marty Booker
Isaac Bruce
Terry Glenn
Torry Holt
Keyshawn Johnson
Plaxico Burress
Laverneus Coles
Marvin Harrison
Kevin Johnson
Eric Moulds
Hines Ward

Besides, what does this have to do with drafting Johnson in the first round? If the Texans feel like he will be a stud, then why not take him?

[Joe Joe]

I think 4th or 5th is an exaggeration, but they normally take longer than RBs to develop.

[junglerules]

Originally posted by Joe Joe
I think 4th or 5th is an exaggeration, but they normally take longer than RBs to develop.


Agreed. Usually, the 3rd yr is seen as the breakout year for wideouts. RB is typically the position in which skill position players can make the biggest immediate impact.

[coma]

Why would Davis want to come to the Texans?

-Great staff
-Great stadium
-Great foundation
-Great owner
-Best fans :D

But, if I were Davis, and I know I only have a few good yrs left....

Why on Earth would I come to the Texans, who might miss the playoffs for the next few seasons? On top of that, he might be at the end of his contract just when the Texans start kicking ass.

Now, I would love to have Davis, as it would immediately boost our offensive production. I'm just playing devil's advocate.

[JeffB]

About Randy Moss: remember that Denny Green basically brought Moss along slowly (despite the eye catching numbers). Early in Moss' career, Green limited Moss to running a few basic deep routes, which were effective due to the fact that opponents couldn't totally roll the D over Moss because of Chris Carter (underneath and over the middle) and Robert Smith (can take it to the house on any given play). Only in the last 2 seasons has Moss added variety to his route running.

Terrell Owens and David Boston only took one season to become effective. Look at Koren Robinson (22 yrs. old), who started slowly. Going into his 3rd year, he is establishing himself--without the benefit of a QB like Carr. Also, Donte Stallworth didn't have a bad rookie year.

I'm not too concerned about Johnson, as long has he has a strong work ethic. Defenses can't scheme too heavily for him because Bradford would beat them deep and a 2nd year Gaffney would have his way with most nickle backs. That should allow the Texans to "work him in" and give him an easy to digest offensive role. As long as johnson works hard, he will immediately be an excellent fit (big, tough, physical, fast, good--though not great--hands) for this offense.

[xiki]

This is the NPL -- the Nat'l PARITY League. The Texans can vie for an 8-8 playoff invite next season. Or go 4-12.

Tomorrow is today in that league.

[kidrock8]

Originally posted by xiki
This is the NPL -- the Nat'l PARITY League. The Texans can vie for an 8-8 playoff invite next season. Or go 4-12.

Tomorrow is today in that league.

Parity is when you have a lot of good teams. Mediocrity is the word that best describes the NFL.

[Lil Francis]

Ch. 13 reported that the Texans were in heavy talks with free agent running back Stacey Mack from the Jaguars. Davis/McGahee/Mack would make one hell of a three headed monster.

[4chuckie]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
Ch. 13 reported that the Texans were in heavy talks with free agent running back Stacey Mack from the Jaguars. Davis/McGahee/Mack would make one hell of a three headed monster.

If Davis comes to the Texans he will want to be the man (20+ carries/game), not a part of a 3 headed monster.

There is always room for another RB on the roster (3rd down back, when Davis is tired, etc), perhaps they sign Mack to a 1 year deal and draft McGahee knowing he will not help much this year. But I would guess if Mack is signed to a multi-year deal tehn I would guess McGahee is not likley to be selected (unless he slips pretty far on draft day).

[eric.81]

Originally posted by rezdawg
Here are some of the "few":

Marty Booker
Isaac Bruce
Terry Glenn
Torry Holt
Keyshawn Johnson
Plaxico Burress
Laverneus Coles
Marvin Harrison
Kevin Johnson
Eric Moulds
Hines Ward

Besides, what does this have to do with drafting Johnson in the first round? If the Texans feel like he will be a stud, then why not take him?

Good point. As others stated, maybe 4th or 5th year is a bit hyperbole and third is a lot more accurate. I just think this team could be better, faster if we drafted for defense with our high pick and get a player of immediate impact. Our defense wasn't great last year, but they made plays and showed signs of progress. If we draft a Kennedy or Suggs and sign Colvin and Donovin Darius our defense would be pretty rediculous. If we sign Davis as expected and build the offensive line's depth our offense will improve dramatically especially with Carr being a year older.

I think that Casserly has done a great job at building a good, young team. I don't think it's crazy for us to be thinking about the playoffs next season. I know just about everything would have to go right for us in the draft and in free agency, as well as during a tough season, but crazier things have happened. The Jaguars second year team that made the AFC championship game wasn't in as good of shape as I think this team could be in by the start of the season. I mean, in week 14, who thought Miami would miss the playoffs? and the Saints? Anything can happen.

All that said, we do need another wide out. If we don't get one at number three, where do we get it?? FA?? Anyone know the answer here?

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Wishbone :)

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by eric.81
All that said, we do need another wide out. If we don't get one at number three, where do we get it?? FA?? Anyone know the answer here?

I dont know the answer to that. That is why I am not opposed to drafting Johnson. This team needs many parts and one way or another, we gotta get the pieces through draft or free agency. I really dont care who we take in the draft because I know that we will need any player that we take. The way the free agent market is right now for wide receivers, it would be in the Texans best interest to not participate in that. Good receivers are getting paid like superstars. Its not worth it.

On a side note, last night on fox sports news, they said that the Texans are stepping up their efforts to sign Newman and are moving away from signing Colvin. They also said that the Texans are moving away from signing Davis also. Is that true? Maybe that is why the Texans are interested in Mack now.

[VesceySux]

... Davis/McGahee/Mack would make one hell of a three headed monster.

... perhaps they sign Mack to a 1 year deal and draft McGahee knowing he will not help much this year.

Guys, I don't wanna break your hearts, but I really don't think we're drafting McGahee. I was talking to one of the licensing guys yesterday (who was himself on the phone with McGahee's agent -- okay, so it was one of the agents in the office who represent McGahee), and he said that McGahee may go as high as the #30 overall pick to the Eagles. In fact, the Eagles may have promised McGahee's representation as much. Details are murky at best, and it may have just been a ruse to get more autograph money out of us (which happens a lot). Personally, I don't know. However, I do know that this agent seemed pretty damn confident that McGahee would go in the first round. Almost to the point of being cocky and arrogant. Just don't get your hopes up, a'ight?

... Then again, Justin Fargas' agent thinks Fargas will be the first RB taken in the draft... :rolleyes:

[rezdawg]

IMO, teams are completely wasting their pick if they take McGahee earlier than the 3rd round. There is way too much talent on the board to take a player that wont play until the following year.

[Ric]

Originally posted by rezdawg
IMO, teams are completely wasting their pick if they take McGahee earlier than the 3rd round. There is way too much talent on the board to take a player that wont play until the following year.
and may not be that good.

i agree.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

The other thing about Magehee is THAT if we are thinking about it. You can guarantee that half the other teams are thinking about him too. We'd have to get lucky to get him.

[eric.81]

rezdawg, Ric, anyone...

...have we decided not to go after Davis?
...would Mack be THAT much of an upgrade over Wells?

Concerning the rest of free agency...

...do you think we'll sign a safety (Robinson, Darius)?
...will we stand pat with last year's D-Line?

Geez, since this is an expansion team, I get more geeked about the transactions than the actual season sometimes...

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by eric.81
rezdawg, Ric, anyone...

...have we decided not to go after Davis?
...would Mack be THAT much of an upgrade over Wells?

Concerning the rest of free agency...

...do you think we'll sign a safety (Robinson, Darius)?
...will we stand pat with last year's D-Line?

Geez, since this is an expansion team, I get more geeked about the transactions than the actual season sometimes...

I dont have any inside info, but I do have opinions.

I think that had we offered Davis the money he wanted, he would currently be a Texan. There is, IMO, obviously a disagreement with contract length or amount. We had the inside track on this, and as reports are coming out, it seems as if we are slipping. Thus, Mack enters the picture. Is he an upgrade over Wells? Yes. Is he the long term answer? No. If we do not sign Davis, and instead get our hands on Mack, he will temporarily hold the starting RB position until we can solidify that position via free agency or draft either next year, or the year after. In the meantime, I do think Mack can do an adequate job. He has size, can run with power, and has relatively soft hands. Get the ball inside the 5 and youve got yourself a touchdown. However, if we sign Davis or Mack, it will not make any difference if the O-Line isnt solid. Heck, we could just throw Wells back out there and let the D-Lines feast on him.

Regarding free agency, I feel like we wont be too active from here on out. We may get a player here and a player there (Newman), but the draft looks to be the Texan's main concern right now.

Regarding the safeties, Darius has been franchised and Robinson is now with the Seahawks. As for other safeties available, the list includes Rodney Harrison, Jason Sehorn, and Dexter Jackson. I'll pass and take a rookie. Harrison is getting old, Sehorn is broken, and Jackson is decent. Take a rookie and groom.

[Ric]

houston's offering, neighborhood, 4-years, roughly $13m with a $4M signing bonus. davis thinks he's worth more and can get more... the game of chicken has started.

mack's a serviceable back; and yes, he's an upgrade over wells. full-time, feature back? i think he'd be one by now if he had that kind of talent. doesn't mean he doesn't have a value, though.

[Possum]

Originally posted by rezdawg
Regarding the safeties, Darius has been franchised and Robinson is now with the Seahawks. As for other safeties available, the list includes Rodney Harrison, Jason Sehorn, and Dexter Jackson. I'll pass and take a rookie. Harrison is getting old, Sehorn is broken, and Jackson is decent. Take a rookie and groom.

What about Tebucky Jones?

Got this from http://www.gbnreport.com/

With Harrison in the fold, the Patriots will reportedly drop the franchise tag from SS Terbucky Jones making him an unrestricted free agent.


He would be a nice pick up. ;)

[eric.81]

Originally posted by Possum
What about Tebucky Jones?

Got this from http://www.gbnreport.com/

With Harrison in the fold, the Patriots will reportedly drop the franchise tag from SS Terbucky Jones making him an unrestricted free agent.


He would be a nice pick up. ;) S

Hell yeah, that would be a great move.

[Hottoddie]

Bad news guys. It's been reported on ESPN that Davis is signing with Carolina. I guess Casserly let another one slip away. :(

[pgabriel]

Originally posted by Hottoddie
Bad news guys. It's been reported on ESPN that Davis is signing with Carolina. I guess Casserly let another one slip away. :(

Apparently a lot of teams let the guy get away. I'm not upset by this, the guy has a lot of wear and tear, he was used very heavily in D.C., and his last season wasn't that great. That being said its a risk, and it might turn out very well for Carolina, and I still wouldn't be upset, running backs come along all the time, if this guy was such a franchise back, he would have gotten more money and more offers.